Power Up Your Campsite With These 5 Options

Have you ever passed on the opportunity to go camping solo or with friends and family because you wouldn’t have any access to power while being off-grid?

Camping is all fun until your gadgets run out of power or the sun sets, and everything becomes much darker. Luckily, many alternative portable power solutions have been developed to ensure you never run out of electricity when camping.

With a portable power station for camping, there’s no restrictions on where you can go or what you can power. 

Portable Power Solution: What To Consider Before Settling On A Power Solution 

Camping has morphed over time from a survival adventure in the wild to a more relaxing solo or group activity. 

Aside from camping essentials, some camp tents also have heating and cooling devices that require power. Meanwhile, other appliances like refrigerators, tent fans, TVs, play stations, as well as personal gadgets like phones and laptops also need an electrical power source.

Below are a few factors to consider before choosing the power option that’d serve you well.

• What You’ll Power: Before narrowing down your options, list out all the appliances that’d need powering. Proceed to calculate the number of charging hours and wattage each one will require for all the days you’ll be out camping outdoors.
• Power Solution Battery Capacity: The next step is to check the power capacity of the portable power solutions; note that the higher the battery capacity, the better.
• Power Output Port Options: Ensure the portable power solution has the desired power output connection ports compatible with your appliances. 
• Mode Of Transportation And Movement: If you plan to camp with a van, you can opt for any size of portable power station; however, if your camping experience will entail a lot of hiking, opt for a lightweight power station. 
• Charging Duration: Go for portable power stations that charge quickly or are rechargeable with solar energy. 

Portable Power Options You Can Choose From When You’re Camping

Curious as to what portable power solution you can use in your next camping trip? Check out the list below. 

1. Portable Power Solution: Portable Power Station

Camping enthusiasts who want a tranquil, eco-friendly power source for their campground may choose portable power stations. This energy solution is powered by lithium or lead-acid batteries that you can recharge with direct electricity, a car power port, or portable solar power panels. 

The benefits of a portable power station include durability, ability to withstand extreme temperatures, noiseless power supply, ability to power many appliances, numerous charging outlet options (USB-A, USB-C, DC, AC, 12-volt car port), ability to supply power for tent lights, mini-fridges, phones, laptops, televisions, and so on.

2. Portable Power Solution: Solar Power 

Solar energy is free and can be used practically anywhere for no cost, and this makes it a sustainable power solution for charging portable power stations or even powering appliances directly. Despite the evident merits of this power solution, solar needs a substantial amount of sunlight to produce enough power and is usually quite fragile. All these features make solar energy more suitable for stationary campgrounds.

3. Portable Power Solution: Generator 

Unlike solar power, you can have portable electricity 24/7 with a generator as long as you carry enough fuel to power the generator day or night. With a generator, battery charging or direct appliance powering is achievable. This power solution is reliable and durable; nonetheless, the demerits include extra expenses on fuel to produce power and others.

Generators aren’t the best option for caravan camp parks and other communal campsites because of the noise they generate. The few campsites that allow generator use allocate a relatively inaccessible usage area and a strict usage time – making everything a hassle.

4. Portable Power Solution: Power Inverter 

When travelling by car, this power source will always be available to you. You can charge numerous devices like a fan for comfort with a power inverter by using the battery in your car or van.

Why use power inverters? The reason for this alternative is to ensure that your car battery doesn’t run out of power while charging appliances. With a power inverter, you may avoid this by using the inverter to charge your devices while the engine is running. 

5. Portable Power Solution: Power Bank

If you’re targeting something light that’d be easy to move a power bank is a good choice. The battery capacity and size of power banks vary, and they are all rechargeable. 

Power banks are great for hiking adventures; but most can’t charge appliances beyond phones and lamps. Another disadvantage of this power solution is that portable banks need recharging once the power runs out and are not suitable for any camping adventure that’d last for days.

Conclusion

Now that you know you have reliable power supply options, it’s time to stop turning down those invites and missing out on camping adventures, as there are practical means to make your camping trip enjoyable, relaxing, and comfortable.